The on-line museum of North America's independent department stores. The museum holds all sorts of information about classic department stores which either no longer exist, or are changed beyond recognition. A few of them are still with us, and provide an interesting connection to North America's retail past. The others are presented so that they may be properly remembered as a tangible part of the lives of their customers, shopping destinations where memories were often made.

Jordan Marsh Company, Boston, Massachusetts

A comprehensive history of Boston'sJordan Marsh Company

The Jordan Marsh "Main Store,"corner of Washington and Avon Streets.

Aerial view of the "Main Store,"showing the clock tower and dome,with the "store for Men" and"New Store" behind along Summer Street.

The Annex, or "Store for Homes,"

Washington Street between

Avon and Bedford streets.

In 1922, Jordan Marsh acquired the"Shuman Corner" at Summer andWashington Streets. It became the"Store for Men."

Washington Street, looking from the "Store for Men" tothe old "Main Store" and Annex in the distance.

The Jordan Marsh "New Store" was builtfrom 1947 to 1957 along Summer Streeton the site of the old C.F. Hovey Co, storethat Jordan Marsh purchased in 1925.

Jordan Marsh operated from five separate buildings,though a three-level bridge and marble-lined tunnelconnected the "Main Store" and Annex.

Eben D. Jordan (1822-1895) was one of 9 children of Ebenezer Jordan, whose family immigrated to the United States in the 1640s from Devon, England, and settled on a farm in Danville, Maine. Eben's first ancestor to set foot on American soil was a Church of England clergyman who adopted the family motto: "As for me and my house, we shall serve the Lord!" Eben Jordan fulfilled a dream in 1836 by leaving his parents' home and sailing for Boston, Massachusetts (with $1.25 in his pocket) in 1836 where he further dreamed of becoming a merchant, but only found work on a Roxbury farm.

Eben D. Jordan(1822-1895)

Eben Jordan, Jr.(1857-1916)

Realizing that his future did not lay in farm work, within three years found employment in the dry goods business of William P. Tenney & Son on the corner of Prince and Salem streets, After several years at this position, he took a higher-paying job with Daniel Pratt, another Boston merchant. Here his industriousness was noticed by Joshua Stetson, owner of a nearby Hanover Street store, who set young Eben Jordan up in a shop at 168 Hanover Street in the busy Massachusetts capitol. Years later, when asked what the secret to his success was, Jordan replied "Work, work, work."

It was at the Hanover Street premises that a famous incident, in which his young friend Louisa Bareiss waited outside to buy a length of cherry-red ribbon, thus becoming his first customer, occurred. Yet, the actual founding of the famous store that bore Eben Jordan's name had to wait ten years. In the interim, Jordan left the shop to be employed in James M. Beebe's store in order to learn more about buying and importing.

In 1851, on January 20th, Eben Jordan entered partnership with his like-minded friend, Benjamin L. Marsh, and the store, known as Jordan & Marsh was opened. This event marked the founding of the store that would grow to become the largest retail organization in New England. Its first location was at 129 Milk Street, where it stayed until 1856, when it relocated to 18-20 Pearl Street.

Jordan Marsh, 1851129 Milk Street

With his knowledge of importing, Jordan embarked on a European buying trip that had enormous consequences. The young merchant so impressed a London businessman that he was offered an unlimited line of credit to finance the store's import business; from that time on, Jordan's was known for scouring the world's far-flung markets for merchandise for its Boston customers.

Jordan Marsh 1861

18-20 Pearl Street

Jordan Marsh 1871Winthrop Square

In 1857, the economy was thrown into a severe recession, and yet another famous episode in the store's history occurred. As the panic consumed one business after another, Jordan took action, He slashed his prices in half, enticing despondent customers to buy, and keeping Jordan's afloat, though at the cost of profits. The bright spot in this trying year was the birth of Jordan's son, Eben Jr. Two years later, the store, now known as Jordan, Marsh & Company, moved to a fine new building on Winthrop Square, but the need for more space led Jordan, in 1861 to purchase the business of George W. Warren & Co, at 450 Washington Street, the address that Jordan Marsh Company carried throughout its existence.

The Washington Street location became the Jordan, Marsh & Company retail division, while the wholesale part of the business remained in Winthrop Square until it was moved in 1871 to a new building on adjacent Avon Street site that formerly housed the burnt-out Adelphi Theatre. The move was fortunate since the whole of Winthrop Square was destroyed by the disastrous Boston fire of 1872. Eventually, though, the wholesale business was dropped and the store acquired more space along Washington and Avon Streets. In 1880, the iconic corner portion of the store was built with its familiar clock tower.

Jordan Marsh 1880450 Washington Street

Eben Jordan passed away in 1895, but nothing could stop the growth of the store that bore his name. A fine, marble-faced annex building was built in 1898 across Avon Street, and linked to the main store by a marble-lined subway. In 1901, Eben Jordan Jr. (1857-1916) assumed the presidency, and in the same year, the business was incorporated as the Jordan Marsh Company, a name it held held ever since.

Another famous name in Jordan Marsh history, that of Edward J. Mitton (1847-1913), had been associated with the store from the time of the move to Washington Street. At the time, Mitton was a young errand-boy, but by 1901 had risen to the vice-presidency of the large and respected store. The combination of the younger Jordan and Mitton produced many innovations: Mitton introduced the first charge accounts, the basement store, and the well-loved annex store for home furnishings which was expanded in 1911. Eben Jordan Jr., for his part, expanded Jordan Marsh into a complete department store and carried on the not inconsiderable philanthropic tradition of his father by building the Boston Opera House and financing the New England Conservatory of Music, where Jordan Hall was named in his honor.

George W. Mitton(1869-1947)

Edward R. Mitton

(1897-1973)

Mitton's son George W. Mitton (1897-1947) assumed the presidency after Eben, Jr.'s death, and carried on the store's tradition of growth and innovation. Under the younger Mitton, distinctions between management and workers, all to be known as Jordan Marsh "fellow workers" going forward. A club honoring 25-year emplyees was founded, and the store's physical plant was expanded in 1922 by the purchase of the A. Shuman apparel store on the corner of Washington and Summer streets, to house Jordan's Store for Men, and the 1925 acquisition of competitor C. F. Hovey & Co. on the same block. Hovey's operated independently until 1947, when the business was incorporated into the bigger store.

Jordan Marsh became a leading unit of the Hahn Department Stores chain in 1928, and remained such when Allied Stores succeeded it in 1935. A plan to rebuild the whole store was discussed before the Great Depression and World War II had to be put on hold as a result of the emergencies.

Edward R. Mitton ( -1973 ) became president of Jordan Marsh in 1937, and it was he who fulfilled his father's dream of connecting the Main Store to the Annex with a three-level bridge across Avon Street. After the war, in 1947 Jordan Marsh announced that it would replace its old buildings with "the only store of its kind in all the world" that would tower 14 stories over Boston. Though the whole store would be new, it would carry on New England tradition in its classical brick facades trimmed in limestone. Innovation took the form of continuous show windows, heated sidewalks, and a stainless-steel marquee to shelter shoppers from unpredictable Boston weather.

Jordan Marsh as projected in 1947

The first unit of the new store, at the corner of Summer and Chauncey streets) was completed in October of 1949, and another (along Summer Street) followed for Jordan Marsh's centennial year of 1851. The final unit to be constructed (on Avon Street) was completed in 1957. Jordan Marsh's suburban growth, and the subsequent stagnation in downtown Boston retail sales, put an end to Mitton's dream of a completely new Jordan Marsh store. The store operated until 1975 as a conglomeration of old and new structures cobbled together: The old Main Store on the corner of Washington and Avon streets, the New Store at Summer and Chauncey streets, the Store for Men at Washington and Summer, the Annex across from the Main Store and the so-called Bristol Building that housed the Budget store home furnishings division on its first floor.

In 1975, Allied stores and the Boston Redevelopment Authority proposed demolishing all of the old Jordan Marsh buildings and expanding the newer portions with a bland brick box that would replace the old "Schuman Corner." Shorn of the well-loved Annex, a consolidated and remodeled Jordan Marsh would be connected to a new multi use facility along Washington Street known as Lafayette Place.

Jordan Marsh carried on in this form, surviving the demise of Allied Stores and ultimately becoming a part of the new Federated Department Stores after the Campeau debacle. Unlike its competitor FIlene's, which was closed in the 2005 merger between Federated and May Department Stores, Jordan Marsh survived, but it's name was eventually changed to Macy's, and it is in this form that the abbreviated Boston store survives to the present.

121 comments:

Excellent update!!You have done a great job with this!!!I see the store directory is up and looks very complete and much as I recall it from the late 60's.But as for the Annex Restaurant and dining room in the 1949 building....not sure if they were just for staff maybe??? It seems that folks...as you have seen from some of my blog visitors thoughts, recall a cafe in the main building and that seems to have vanished by the 1960's. Also the bakery seems to have had many locations....at one point it may have been on the annex ground floor as late as 1970ish. The food areas remain a mystery as far as Jordan Marsh goes...I have asked for readers to try to help us out with more details...fingers crossed more information will come along. Hoping to add more to my blog soon if research tools and options become available...fingers crossed and toes, too!!!

The Worcester store was oocated in the Worcester Center Galleria and looked very similar to the branch locations in Braintree, Burlington and Peabody - except that it was located in the center of the mall. They also had a restaurant called "The Red Lantern" which was located in their basement level.

Not only was the bakery in Jordan Marsh's Boston store on the 1st floor in the annex, but also in the same area is where they sold all sort of gourmet food. In the front of the store there were glass showcases with the food on display. You should have seen during the holiday times...awesome!! I miss that store...it's demise was a tragedy!

If you were a Bostonian in the 60's and 70's, no Christmas was complete until you took your kids to the sixth floor of Jordon Marsh to see "The Enchanted Village". Jordon's Furniture in Avon acquired some of the pieces from the villager but it's not the same experience. For me.. bring back the ol department stores.. I hate the malls....,

Is it possible to find an employee of Jordan Marsh Department Store of 1946 Boston? She is a missing link that we've found in our family history all I know is she was Lillie C Beckair working at Jordan Marsh in 1946. Any help with old company records?

I have no access to these records. I did have access (limited) to the Boston Globe online through ProQuest Historical Newspapers. You might check with your local and university libraries to see if they offer it. Also, you could check with Macy's in Boston, and see if you can get access to their records. Furthermore, I would look at the blog "Retro Shopping Days in Old Boston." in the links box. charles may have knowledge that could help you.

I recently bought a Italian made men's suit valet at a thrift store. It is very nice, looks to be built any time from the turn of the century until the 30's or 40's. I plan on disassembling it, give it a good once over and may refinish it. I would not have known about Jordan Marsh if not for Google, thank you for the info, good work on the blog.

An elderly aunt has given me a Wedgwood plate 'The Centenial Plate (1851 - 1951)'; is it worth anything, is it collecatble or would it be of interest to the Museum? Peter, Carmarthen, Wales United Kingdom

I began working in visual at Jordan Marsh in 1980. As a visual regional i traveled and worked in almost every store from Boston to Portland to Hyannis to Albany to Worcester to ..even the short lived Poughkeepsie NY. I trimmed ,opened, closed and converted many locations to Macys. I have many fond memories of the people and all the quirks of the stores and the trends of the visuals of the times...my favorite building which i wish i could go back and see today ... JM in Shoppers World...a mid century modern delight. Also JM at Assembly Square mall Somerville ...so 1980's trendy!

I remember Jordan Marsh and worked in the visual display dept. for the company in the 1992 at the Warwick R.I location . I loved it AND enjoyed it ! JORDAN MARSH was the be store to work for visually! Wish it was still around. So creative before MACY'S. took over in1996 only to take. Over most of the department stores to date! Peace

I found a receipt in a Shakespeare's King John leather book, copyright 1909 from the Jordon Marsh Company for $0.60. The phone number on the receipt for the mail order department, calls or complaints is Oxford 3200. Anyone know what year that phone number goes back to?

If I remember correctly...in the early 60's there was a restaurant in the basement of the annex bldg.....I remember being in the basement where one would walk up 5 or 6 stairs still being in the basement and there was a counter top as well as booths .... i think the name of it was the "lantern" or the "red lantern"....

I worked for Jordan March starting in 1976,in the Basement store in Braintree. My mother worked there, my friend, her mother, her sister, her aunt, and her cousin. It was truely a family store. I entered teh Management training program in 1980 moved to the Framingham store, promoted to assistant buyer, Boston Store, then divisional sales manager in Peobody. I opened and assistaed in many of the stores renovations. I loved loved loved working for this company. It was the best job I ever gad. So many wonderful people and great memories. Let's not Squantum, I am sure the spelling isn't correct, but the memories are correct!!

DOES ANYONE REMEMBER A RITA RUGNETTA OR A YOUNG MAN LAST NAME MARKEY WHO WORKED AT JORDANS IN 1969 IN THE BOSTON AREA? I WOULD BE VERY GRATEFUL FOR ANY INFORMATION ANYONE MAY HAVE. CONWAYTRIPS@HOTMAIL.COM THANK YOU.

Our mother passed away recently at the age of 98. She worked in Jordan Marsh in the 1930's in the book department and her favorite story was that she waited on Bing Crosby. We have so many great memories as kids in the '40s and '50's going 'in town' at Christmas time. Does anyone remember the manger scene that was on the Summer Street side of the building each December, along with three large gold bells that used to sway in sync with the Christmas music?

Does anyone remember "Marsha Jordan" girls from the 1970's -- the name given to the young women hired to model clothing in the stores? Any information on how many years this type of job existed or how many stores participated?

I have two commemorative plates by Wedgwood for Jordan Marsh Company, in a dark red colour. One is 'The action between the Constitution and the Guerriere', and the other 'The Battle of Concord Bridge', with a quote from Emerson on the reverse. Can you tell me anything about these, please? We are prepared to sell them. Jean Wayte jeanwayte@googlemail.com

I am looking for information about an artist who painted a series of murals for the Mother Goose Dining Room at the Toy Town Tavern in Winchendon, Massachusetts. The resort opened in 1912; the property was sold to The Winchendon School in 1961. A 1950's reference states the murals were executed by "Mrs. Hershey" who at one time decorated nurseries for Jordan Marsh. Another source includes a reference to the murals' existence at the Toy Town Tavern in 1920. I would like to learn more about the murals and Mrs. Hershey.

I have a mink stole that had a label from Jordan Marsh, it has my grandmother's name embroidered in it, I was also told my grandmother hand picked the mink to be made into the stole and it may have come from a family farm. Do you know the history of the mink coats and how they came to be at Jordans?

Check out the March / April Yankee Magazine. There is a great article about the Marsha Jordan girls. Certainly miss the old Jordan Marsh in Boston especially around Christmas. Our Aunt Mary took us there every Christmas to pick out our Christmas present from her. I miss the blueberry muffins, The Enchanted Village, visits with Santa Claus and shopping with my Mother. Shopping now a days is just a chore. Nothing special like it just to be.

When I was a teenager I used to go to the Annex 1st floor record deptartment. it was awesome. Then I go up to the 9th floor TVs and stereos and drule over the color tvs and stereos. Remember the antique elevators with real operators.

I grew up in Jordan Marsh. The Yankee Magazine article brought it all back: As a pre-teen,going with Mom on a Saturday morning to shop, then meeting Dad and the boys for pizza and Mass(at Arch St). Later as a teenager(going with my friends) taking my mother's store charge, a letter from her, and a phone number where she could be reached and going shopping on a Saturday. You went to the credit office and someone there would call Mom and she would tell them what my spending limit was (it was NEVER over$20.00) and they would issue a one day card. I was so grown-up. Later Mom and I bought my prom dress there. I really miss that store.

Can you find out about the " Blueberry Muffin " Recipe that " Jordan Marsh, used to make at the store ?. Would appreciate it very much, I read the article that was in the March/April ,2012 issue,page 83 by "Ann Hood " hoping she would of given the recipe at the end of the story.I am sure somebody has that recipe. Thank You . Regards J.E.M.

Is it possible that anyone has copies of the photos that were taken in the Boston store in the 1980's? I remember that they would walk around the store and give out coupons for a 5x7 photo and I had my picture taken several times. There's one particular photo that I'd love a copy of.

I fondly remember the Jordan Marsh Bakery at what was the North Shore Shopping Center In Peabody Massachusetts. I know they were known for their blueberry muffins, but I remember their cupcakes! They were incredible!! The icing and the moistness were unsurpassed! Its kind of spooky thinking about JM. It reminds me of other stores that have become extinct. For example Almys and J.J. Newbury.

I'm trying hard to remember (but I was 3-6 at the time) which store in Boston, either Jordan Marsh, Gilchrists, or Filenes had a restaurant, in the basement, that had a cafeteria style where you got a tray and then traveled along picking out food. Anyone know which one that would have been?

I worked at a couple of the stores in the 70's at Bedford NH, 80's at Pheasant Lane in Nashua NH and opened the Swansea MA store in 1988 --- My Uncle was a men's suit salesman in the Boston store for many years..... thank you for this site !!! I also have a picture when I was 7 or so on Santa's lap at the Boston store --- Christmas was magical !!

Loved working there as a teen.in the 1980 s ,first in High school in jewelry dept. Then later in sporting attire. Worked w guy name Larry,we had loads of fun. Theres something special about dept store,it had a formality that was quaint,nothing that you experience now.We were sales clerks and that was nothing to sneeze at bc of where we worked. was nice to dress up to work.Small town girl got to work in big city.

Hi, I am wondering if anyone has information on sngle family homes built by Jordan Marsh to show "Electric Kitchens". My house in the Boston Suburbs was built in 1934 by Jordan Marsh, but I have not been able to find any references to these homes anywhere. We recently spoke to the children of the people who bought them home from Jordan Marsh and they confirmed the story. Any historical info would be appreciated. Mike from Boston

Hello BAKI'm producing a video for The Markley Group who own the Jordan Marsh building (1 summer street / 450 Washington StreetBoston, Masachusetts). We absolutely love your archival photography from the building and are hoping to use it for our video. Do you have access to larger, higher resolution versions?

i just bought a used copy of a beatles album online which still had the shrinkwrap and sticker from the store from which it came..and i got on the computer and learned about this department store...i have never heard of this store because i am from the south and i am happy to learn of this store's rich history...i love anything from an era gone by...thanks for the history lesson

I was a junior in high school in 1955 when I started a part-time and summer job with Jordan Marsh in Boston. I worked in the mail room which was located on the 5th floor of the Main store (near the credit office.) The mail order room was also located there with a number of telephone operators who took telephone orders.Because I delivered mail to virtually every department within the Jordan March complex, I had the unique opportunity to see every nook and cranny within the buildings as well as to say hello to the store executives during my mail deleveries. Lots of fond memories and nice people.

I have a framed print (?) of the First Flower Service by Margaret W. Tarrant. On the back is a label "made exclusively for Jordan Marsh Company". Any idea of when it would have been either sold or otherwise distributed? Thanks.

I came across this site and wow what memories especially at christmas time. I loved shopping there. Xmas was so special enchanted village the lantern restaurant and then the windowd and the common. Wow what a shame we dont have these wonderful treasures anymore. I dont like malls. Bring back the wonderful dept stores.

Jordan Marsh Boston was a GREAT store and dominated the downtown shopping district. I bought a Burberrys Mens wool toggle coat there ON SALE! I LOVED that coat. JM Boston shoppers were presented a small selection of what are present day LUXURY Labels and many times were marked down shortly after hitting the sale floor.Jordans & Filenes were the two BIG players in Massachusetts, but, Jordans carried slightly more upscale brands. However, the Jordan Marsh Basement store never matched the excitement of Filenes Basement, but bargains on luxury merchandise could be found, but a shopper had to dig. I MISS Jordan Marsh Boston and its Northern surburban Mass. stores. I always had received good service and the stores were always a pleasure to shop in. Macy's does NOT compare, but its all the Boston has today. Pitty!Bak... I love your site... thanks!

In the late 50's, there was a toy department somewhere in the main building, in an area where there was a set of 3 stairs going down from some department to the toys.

When I was 4 or 5, Mom was in the notions department and I was bored, so took the elevator up several floors, ending in the Men's suit department where the clerks would not let me leave until my mother came and fetched me.

I recently came upon a full collection of first edition charles dickens books with no date inside only, boston. Jordon, Marsh and Co. they came from a early centry victorian house on coast of maine built for a wealthy doctor from boston before being bought from my family.

HiOne of my ancestors was a buyer for Jordan Marsh, Boston. He and his collegue both went down with the Titanic in 1912, returning from a business trip to Europe. I'm coming over to America this summer to do some research and I was wondering if you could tell me if the original store still stands?? I was planning to contact Macys to see if they have any company records relating to that final trip or any other information.

Only the newest portions of the building still stand; those built in the late 1940s and early 1950s.

I am not aware of any Jordan March records held by Macy's, but that doesn't mean that they don't exist. I contacted them regarding information for a book I am writing about Lasalle's in Toledo, since 1923 owned by Macy's. THe did not respond in any way.

I have a picture that was made by P.G. Co. Inc. It is a regelious type, young child with a halo holding a cross. On the back is a label that says it was "MADE EXCLUSIVELY for Jordan Marsh Company" My mother received this as a wedding gift sometime before April 1950. I remember going to Jordan quite often as a child. I wish more could experience Jordans

This site brings back memories! During high school I worked as a temporary employee for Jordan Marsh's annual inventories. They hired hundreds of workers to record every item in the stores in just one night. The pay was OK, but the real value for me was the employee discount I got that week. It paid for a big chuck of my school clothes those years.

Like several other people, I have a picture with the "Made Exclusively for Jordan Marsh Company" The numbers 2415 and 12/16 are written in pencil. The picture may be pencil sketch of two boats in a harbour. It could be Boston but the picture is now in Ontario, Canada. Any interest or information would be appreciated

I recently came across two small framed prints that measures 8 3/4" x 15 3/4", they look like watercolors, and are labled "made exclusively for Jordan Marsh Company", they are signed although I am uncertain of the signature. also signed on back and numbered 546, and dated 4-23-40. name onback may be the name of the recipient, it is diferent than the artist's name. I just learned of your sight as a result of researching this item, and found you were involved with the musium. Items were found in Mississippi, so I'm not sure of their origin, perhaps you can help to identify them, and know if they'd be of any interest to the musium. my email address is jamesnero51@yahoo.com. I have pictures anc can send them if you are interested in seeing them, please send email address. thanks

I recently found a new- old silk scarf of my moms. It still has the Jordan Marsh tag on it. Up in the upper right hand spot is "69". Would that be the date? This is important to me because that will help me find who gave it to her. She kept it wrapped up and safe for a long time. It originally sold for $18.99. She went to heaven in her mid nineties and I'm curious. Thanks even if there is no answer. I went to college in Quincy Mass in 1964 and LOVED Jordan Marsh. I had never seen store windows like those until that Christmas. What great memories!

Is there a source for Jordan Marsh (Boston) photos from 1934? I have found a newspaper from Massachusetts than has a photo labeled "display exhibition Wilmington Feb. 1934" showcasing Amelia Eahart fashions.

My mother bought a Berge' choker in 1946 when she was a girl at the Boston store. I had it re-plated but she wants to will it and would like to know if it has any value. Are there records of JM inventory and relative value of the items they sold? We have a few 1940's JM pieces.

My dad,Krally Touloumzis started with Jordan Marsh in the 50's and went into their Executive training program. He became the luggage buyer,toy buyer for several years(traveling the world on buying trips) then he became TV/electronics buyer and finally bedding. He retired early,in his late fifties) after the company was sold. I have many fond memories of visiting the branch stores with dad on the weekends.

I worked in the mail room which @ that time was buried behind the rug dept on 8'th floor annex.70-72 As the person above stated I got to walk around the store delivering and picking up mail all day. Got to know a lot of great people. My grandmother Trudy Blute worked @ then ended up managing the 9'th floor employee cafeteria for about 30 years retiring about 1978 (approx) after spending her last 2 years @ the Sqantam warehouse's cafeteria.

Does anyone have or know of anyone who would have photographs of the 5th floor annex Toyland at Christmas time of the toy train layouts. There were always two operating layouts, one Lionel Trains and one American Flyer Trains.

thanks for this site. I used to work in the candy department (800) in the late 60's. We would have to wear hair nets and pink smocks. The penuche fudge was to die for...the music coming over from the record department would entertain us all day. Loved the place..

I worked at the Bedford Street Annex in 1966-67 while I was in high school. Lots of memories of my co-workers, especially John & Kathy. I learned a lot from them and we had some great laughs together. Used to eat at a lunch place on Chauncey Street that had fine burgers and fries, it's probably long gone now, just like the Annex.

How can I find pictures of the 1950's Marsha Jordan Girls. I am looking for a picture of Dorathy Wallace who was a 1952 Marsha Jordan girl. I have had the pleasure of meeting Dorrie at an assistant living facility I work at. She speaks so fondly of her Marsha Jordan days and I would love to make her day with a picture of herself. Thanks meredithc76@yahoo.com

I found an etching that was signed "VAN ACKER" and on the back said, "MADE EXCLUSIVELY for Jordan Marsh Company". I wonder how I could learn more about these art works sold by Jordan Marsh? If you know please E-mail me at: markcal02@yahoo.com---Thanks

I found an etching that was signed "VAN ACKER" and on the back said, "MADE EXCLUSIVELY for Jordan Marsh Company". I wonder how I could learn more about these art works sold by Jordan Marsh? If you know please E-mail me at: markcal02@yahoo.com---Thanks

You'd have to send me your e-mail and contact information - post here and I will not publish it, or, email me at bakgraphics@comcast.net. You should also seek out the book "Tales of the Observer," written for Jordan Marsh's centennial in 1951. You can often find it on eBay, amazon or likely even in your library if in New England.-Bruce

Hi! Question about "Jordan Marsh carried on in this form, surviving the demise of Allied Stores and ultimately becoming a part of the new Federated Department Stores after the Campeau debacle. Unlike its competitor Filene's, which was closed in the 2005 merger between Federated and May Department Stores, Jordan Marsh survived, but it's name was eventually changed to Macy's, and it is in this form that the abbreviated Boston store survives to the present." Filene's actually outlast Jordan Marsh as a May division. Jordan's was folded into A&S, keeping its name but losing its divisional headquarters, and the whole thing was folded into Macys in 1994. Filene's was itself expanded, incorporating May's old G.Fox division in Hartford, until it was finally folded (not Jordan Marsh) into Macys in 2005.

Your facts are certainly correct. To the public, though, Filene's ceased to exist, the downtown store was closed, and Macy's ultimately carried on in the Jordan Marsh premises. Pure business history is not the focus of The Department Store Museum, really - it is about the era before 1980 or so, when these stores identified as local, and had unique characteristics. Everything after that was an effort to homogenize them, and reach the ultimate goal - one cookie-cutter store that in reality pleases no one.-Bruce

My great grandfather died from an accident (a scaffolding collapse) which happened somewhere at the downtown location in Boston. Two of his sons, including my grandfather later worked for the store, pretty much all their lives. My grandfather laid carpet.

If anyone knows any information about the accident. I would much appreciate it. My great garndfather's name was Thomas J. O'Connor and died May 2, 1909. I don't know if other men died or not, or when exactly the accident happened, or how many days he may have lived afterward.

My mother got my baby pics done for free in 1972 in exchange for right to use it in the advertising of the photos I was hoping someone had a copy? I am the baby wearing the knitted jumper thanks my mother has been diagnosed with Stage 4 lung cancer and thought she might like a copy thanks Jpcecilio@gmail.com

Could you please provide me with any information on a French Etching, artists proof, original in color by Du Boisrouvray, titled Dam at Bourgneuf, hand made proof, copper plated being inked and painted by hand, published in Paris, limited edition 138. that also has a tag of Jordan Marsh Co., Boston, MA, M&G Co. Pls respond to tlfflowers@g-mail.com Thank you

I have fond memories of the toy department in the main store. The display of the matchbox cars in the glass case with model and original box and my mother would have to lift me up to see them all. A great childhood memories. I also adored the blueberry muffins, the brownies and oversized chocolate chip cookies in the bakery on the ground floor of the annex building?

My family has a stencil or water color, the frame is Jordan Marsh Company High Class Picture Framing order number 1785 signed Otto Pilny 1904?Where can I find information or (the name)? There is no other image like it online. I can send an email if you can help.

WENT TO WORK THERE FOR XMAS 1958 AFTER XMAS STAYED, WENT TO WORK AS A CLERK IN THE MEN DEPT.BASEMENT MAIN STORE GREAT MEMORIES, THAN TRANSFERED TO A LEASE DEPT. IN THE ANNEX STAMP AND COIN DEPT.THAN GOT PROMOTED AND LEFT FOR ST. LOUIS MO. FAMOUS BARR DEPT. STORE 1962 AN AS THEY SAY, THE REST IS HISTORY.

I went to Jordan Marsh in South Portland when I was a child and as an adult I went to the cafe on the second floor A LOT! The chocolate chip cookies were the best I had ever had! Is there anyway to get the recipe or distributor name (if a dough)? I know an odd request but I bake as a hobby and have been trying to replicate that cookie for years! thank you!

I worked in the Bristol Building/GreatBasement Store selling towels and tablecloths from 1970-1972 while I was in high school. I met my husband there (he was a security guard.) I was an ‘SMW’ - we worked Saturday and Monday and Wednesday evenings. The first Wednesday was dollar day and the place was a zoo! We had to re-fold all the linens after everyone left. My husband once got stuck inthe elevator and had to climb out.

Hi, I am so thrilled to find this site. Had many trips in to Boston to Jordan Marsh! So sad when it closed as well as Gilchrist Basement Store.After my mother-in-law passed away we found two stacks of Jordan Marsh Centennial plates, some red, some blue. I have been trying to find out about these plates for a while now. Any info out there?Keep up the good work.

Jordan Marsh stores were in Florida as well. In Orlando, there were 2 locations. My parents had JM Credit Cards, they shopped there quite frequently, bought clothes for the family and household items. Sad that the stores closed in the 1990s.

Hello. I recently found a lovely chair being discarded on the side of the road in Canton, MA. It stopped me in my tracks and before anyone could see me, I shoved it in my car. It’s a beautiful dark wood (mahogany or hickory?) chair with arms and the seat was recovered with a tapestry like fabric. When I removed the seat I discovered the original fabric, which was an avocado with teal embroidered flowers. The bottom of the seat says “Jordan Marsh Co Auburndale Mass Ord. No. 37551 Dept. 608”. There’s an additional number stamped beginning with 805 but has faded and I’m unable to read the other numbers. I have been searching for months and been unable to find further information. Do you have any information that could help to identify the origin, style, year, anything regarding my adored new found treasure? Thank you kindly!

I have a photograph of the Testimonial Dinner given to "George Mitton by the Executives of Jordan Marsh Company in observance of The Diamond Jubilee at Hotel Somerset on 1/13/1926". Do you have the names of those in the picture?

I inherited an 1973 Ariens snowblower from my wife's grandfather. His daughter (my mother in law) insists that said snowblower was purchased from a Jorden Marsh store as a gift to her father. I know her family lived up on the North Shore in the 1970s, which would have put them near one or more JM locations.

Does anyone knoe if Jordan Marsh had a lawn and garden equipment business going at their stores in the 1970s? Oh, and in case you are wondering, yes, that snowblower (which my family refers to as "the Beast") is still going strong with it's original and now 46 year old Tecumseh "Snow King" engine.

My late father worked for Jordan Marsh from around the early 19 50's until he retired. One of his earliest jobs for them was driving an old bakery truck that they converted into a gift wrapping truck around the holidays. He went to customers homes and wrapped presents.

Because my dad was an employee @ Jordan Marsh, we could visit The Enchanted Village and sit on Santa's lap as it was closed to the public on Sundays. Only open for employees and there families. This was in the late 50's early 60's. I later worked with my dad @ the ware house in squantum,Ma. Many years later.

Where is Nancy, the beautiful young lady who sold blueberry muffins at the Jordan Marsh in Malden around 1979, I was a young working man and I looked forward to my coffee break hoping she would serve me

Jordan Marsh had a book back in the 60's and 50's that was for new brides. It had everything in it. How to correctly set a table, make a bed, decorate a room and recipes. I had one and can't find it. Does anyone else have one. It was really helpful to a new homemaker.

My grandmother used to take me to the Jordan Marsh in downtown Miami, FL when I was a kid. We'd eat at the restaurant and get the dessert that was in the shape of a princess with a hooped ball gown. the skirt was made of ice cream and had those tine edible metallic balls on it. The top half, the lady's figure from the waist up, was a piece of china in the shape of the lady. Does anyone remember those? I have about 12 of these ladies figures that I collected and I cannot remember the name of the dessert.

Hello, I am looking for any info on an order placed years ago I believe it was around the 1930's eariler 40's. It is a photo of someone in my family and there is no name just the name of the store that it was taken at which is Jordan Marsh company and an order 78039b. I am wondering is that any info on this photo my email is busybusy7@yahoo.com

I worked at Jordans in the 70's as did my father and my sister. I met my wife there too. She was a salesgirl in Budget Sportswear and I was a stock boy. Jordan Marsh Boston had a hardware department until the late 70's. It was on the 3rd floor annex down a few steps from the small electrics dept. They sold lawn and garden equipment. When the department was closing I bought a snow blower and lawn mower for a liquidation price just before the Blizzard of '78.

About Me

Born in 1958 into an American family with deep Polish roots, I was encouraged at an early age to take education wherever I could get it. I was taken across the country as a child, by my first-generation American parents, to see the wonders of our continent, and several World's Fairs which my parents felt would be educational and fun for our family. All of these things have affected my life in so many ways since then. I achieved a couple of degrees in architecture, and attained licensure in 1990. My specialty in the field is creative design, for which I have received a number of awards and accolades. I am happily married for the second time. I experienced the sadness and pain of being a widower after my first wife passed away suddenly in 1996. I would not be telling the truth if I did not mention how central my Roman Catholic faith was in negotiating such a difficult time. It still is, in fact. I work for Fieldstone A&E and, my free time is spent, learning, researching, writing, cooking, traveling, taking photographs, ballroom dancing, and enjoying my relationship with my wife and family with whom I am extraordinarily close.